Klarinet Archive - Posting 000067.txt from 2007/01

From: hns692@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] instrument acting odd....
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 09:18:36 -0500

Another trick to hydrating I found is to take an empty film canister -- one
of those plastic ones (usually black with black top or combination of
gray/black, or opaque white). Punch a few holes in the top -- or cut a few small
slits. Cut a piece of a clean cellulose sponge from a new sponge about the
right size to file the canister (they're small, pretty cheap, and you can use
the remainder for other things). Dampen the sponge (don't get it dripping
wet), put it in the canister, put the top on and put it in your case. Check it
frequently at first to see how fast the sponge dries out and just re-wet the
sponge when it's dry. I've used this hydrator off and on for years. It's
cheap, not organic and does not leave any odors or attract vermin, and it
shouldn't cause mold. I keep my horns (R13 Bb and LeBlanc Eb) oiled inside and out
-- and make sure the oiling happens by the end of summer so the summer
moisture level is reasonably well preserved. Since I live in Minnesota and there
are lakes and rivers everywhere, with a decent humidity level in the summer,
this is my system. If you're in a drier climate, I'd humidify the horn
first, then oil it. It's worked for me for a long time!

Good luck!

Lee Ann Hansen

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